Monday Musings on Putting Yourself Out There
My Monday posts are generally when I chat about what’s on my mind and often include thoughts on my personal style. For example, I wore the outfit below for an outdoor party we attended on Saturday, and I loved how I felt in it.
The skirt swishes when I walk and has a feminine vibe that’s appealing to me these days. I’m determined to work at incorporating more skirts into my wardrobe. I’m not sure why I’ve steered away from them in recent years, but they really are perfect for warm days.
Here’s what I wore on Sunday for some errands, then a very casual Father’s Day dinner at my son’s house. Same Jack Rogers sandals again…because they’re sort of perfect with so many things this time of year.
I want to discuss a few comments and emails I got last week. I’m hoping to clear up some confusion people have about what I’m doing here on A Well Styled Life.
One reader commented that the proportions of this outfit in last week’s dressing room diary were unflattering on me. I explained that my dressing room diary try-ons are not about me and I’m not shopping for myself. Their only goal is to share what’s new in the store and show some ways to combine things. These are not clothes I’m adding to my wardrobe. I do occasionally find something I can’t live without, but that’s not my main goal. The shapes are often awful for my figure, and the colors are frequently not flattering.
Many bloggers order massive amounts of clothes to their homes to do their try-ons. They steam the clothes, photograph them, then pack them all up and mail them back to the store. It gives them the opportunity to style items with their own shoes and accessories, creating very nice-looking outfits. They have my complete respect because it entails a massive amount of work, and frankly, I don’t have the energy for that, so I’ve chosen to do mine in the store.
Another reader left a comment saying that my content and the clothes I shared made her feel old and unseen. This really surprised me because I try to style and share the brands my readers know, love, and shop. She suggested that I should write my blog as a personal style journey the way other bloggers do. That’s never been my goal for AWSL. This blog is meant to be a resource for women with all different styles.
It might get pretty one-dimensional around here if all I share is my style. I like to think my personal style is just a tiny part of this blog. I don’t pretend that all the clothes I style are my personal taste. I share them with you to inspire you to think outside the box and find what makes you feel most confident.
My personal style will only appeal to a small portion of my readers. This community is diverse and filled with many stylish women who are looking for new ways to wear their things. It also includes lots of readers who are feeling a bit lost and hoping to get inspired to try the new styles. AWSL readers are either retired, actively working, traveling extensively, or staying close to home as a full-time caregiver for a loved one. Your well styled life will be as unique as you are and there’s room here for every woman.
Thanks for reading and making this community as rich as it is.
Jennifer,
I’m so grateful for this blog. It’s honest, uncomplicated and user friendly. I love seeing all the different styles and colors you show and the way you fashion the different pieces to work for you. As a homebody who has lived in jeans and t-shirts for most of my life, my recent widowhood has left me with outdated ideas on how to dress. I have to get out of the house more than I used to, and I need an updated wardrobe. I’m glad you do what you do. Thank you!!!
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss, Tessie. Sending best wishes your way.
I appreciate your trying on clothes in the store, I can see what’s new. I have the opposite body type, small shoulders and wide hips, but I can guess what would work for me based on how things fit you. I don’t understand how your content makes someone feel unseen and old. Because of the type of clothes you are showing?Or not showing? I appreciate you talking about the realities of maturing, we are not alone in our struggles.
While your style is not my typical style, I do love to read your blog each morning for the variety of styles you show that work for different lifestyles, life events and body shapes. And, I love your book recs! Please, continue to blog as you’ve been doing. If someone doesn’t like your content, she can always move along to another blog or social media influencer.
I prefer the way you do in-store try-ons. I have concerns about the sustainability of bloggers who buy or order a bunch of stuff (especially in different sizes), try it on, and then return everything. I remember hearing at one point that most returned items don’t get restocked for sale, so they end up being sold off in bulk. Also, just the resources used to ship and reship the items seems wasteful.
Hi Jennifer – I’ve always felt that the information that you provide is well researched, and you have always been very clear about the intent of your blog postings. Your dressing room diaries feel very authentic – I feel like I’m out shopping with a friend!
I really appreciate your style of blog and I find it very “real” which I like. Please – don’t change a thing!
Jennifer,
If someone doesn’t understand your blog and your try-ons, I don’t think they are reading what you state very clearly.
I shop at almost all of the stores you do try ons and although I am tall many of those stores carry talls. I like seeing you model the new items and I find all your other info helpful.
You can never please everyone but I think the vast majority of us love your blog! Keep up Keep up the good work!
Sizing is one of the reasons I share the brands that I do. I respect companies that women in all our shapes and sizes.
I soundly echo all the positive comments and encouragement expressed by those before me. You are so good at your job! On fashion note, I attended a baby shower this weekend with friends, family, and neighbors of all ages. I was the ONLY woman there wearing pants! (White jeans and a cute top.) I guess it’s time for me to consider some skirts too! Hard to find for my 5’2″ frame, but I’ll start trying. 🙂
I’m spotting lots of them too so I’ll be sharing more of what I find.
So much better to see the clothing on a real person than in the catalog or online. I have found your posts very helpful for years. Also, I think it makes more sense for the environment to try things on in a store the way you do rather than shipping a ton of things and then returning them. Just my two cents.
Your blog is more than showcasing clothing. I scroll through most of your try ons for two reasons. Most of those stores are not in my area and your height and body shape is totally different than mine, plus much of it is not my style. I guess that’s three reasons. So I scroll on! Others can do the same, if it’s not to their liking. Now, that I’ve reread this part I do hope it does not come across as a negative comment.
I read because of all the information and the research you do on health and beauty, plus current trends. Your travel, your book recommendations, etc keeps me coming back. You have a personal touch other bloggers do not have. I believe your readers think of you as a friend. I’m always happy to see you in my inbox.
Thanks Joanna. Many of you feel like friends to me too!
Oh my! Move along complainers. Why do people write such stuff? If they don’t see what they like, read a different blogger. I like to see new styles of clothing worn on a shorter person. I often think, not for me. Other times, I like how something looks on you and feel it’s worth a try. I also like reading about your life that is not always perfect. You have struggles too. You write about how you are dealing with those challenges. That is important for all of to know how to meet the challenges of an aging body. Keep doing what you do and know how much your efforts are appreciated.
Oh, brother. To each her own, I guess. Just shrug it off, Jennifer. You’re doing great!
It’s a shame that a tiny fraction of your readers feel compelled to post something derogatory before actually reading the blog. You clearly state that what you try on in a dressing room might not be flattering to you, but you do so to help readers see what’s out there and how the items fit. I always appreciate and look forward to your posts, and it’s clear from the comments today that so do many others. You are indeed a singular and class act. Please don’t ever think otherwise.
Thanks Kelly
Jennifer, remember the old saying: “You can please some of the people some of the time, and all of the people some of the time. But you can’t please all of the people all of the time.” You present yourself as a very real person and show styles of very real clothing. That format will appeal to very real people and that is perfect. Thank goodness we all have different opinions and the freedom to express them. It would be a boring world if we all liked the same thing. Keep being and doing you!
I agree. I want to encourage women to be creative and original, not copy me. I get influenced by other women too!
Jennifer, you are my favorite fashion blogger, and I look forward to reading your post every morning. You have shared your fashion perspectives and have explored your fashion challenges. I find this refreshing! Also, I enjoy hearing about your family and your travels. Best of luck in feeling better and hope you will continue blogging for a long time into the future!
Thanks Bea
One thing you do so well on your blog, Jennifer, but didn’t mention: You frequently explain WHY a piece or styling works or doesn’t work. I love that and have learned so much from your blog that I apply to my own outfits all the time. Thanks!
I’ll do that more often. Thanks for reminding me Becky
Always enjoy your content! I enjoy seeing what you are trying on, and never feel that your goal is to readers buy this, buy this. The skirt today I probably would have passed by, but seeing it on shows how cute it. Great as always!
I was so surprised to like it on me and my husband loves it, which sealed the deal because he never weighs in on what I wear.
Hi Jennifer
Please don’t change anything that you are doing. No one can please all the people all the time, and you shouldn’t feel like you even need to try.
Your blog is the only blog I read. I’m 70 years old and retired. I enjoy your writing because you are so open-minded about style and so willing to share your ideas about fashion. You always advise your readers to wear what makes them happy. I was in a rut with my clothing and your blog has given me the confidence to expand and experiment with both my clothing choices and my hair style. So, thank you for all you do. Please know that your efforts are valued and anticipated every day.
Sincerely
Janet
I’m so happy to hear I’ve helped you get out of your rut. Sometimes just writing about new styles will help me get out of a rut too.
I enjoy reading your blog and appreciate all the work you put into it. I do get value out of your choices and comments. Thank you! My stats: age 71, 5′ 7″
I really understand the meaning behind your blog. I love that you discuss many different topics that I personally wouldn’t know about and I enjoy learning about fashion. I like all the different styles you try on for us so we can see what’s out there and choose what works for us. Keep up the good work!! I appreciate you.
Jennifer, keep doing what you are doing. Your blog is creative, informative, fun to read and you have pulled in a wonderful community of readers.
And I adore your new skirt – fabulous outfit for a summer outing.
The skirt is a real change for me and I love it! Xx